Fitness equipment for start up studio

I have a 750 square-foot studio that I just opened this year. I’m trying to find out where to get the least expensive and most efficient cardio and strength equipment. I have a TRX that accommodates up to seven and retainer plus free weights body weights etc. I would like to incorporate some heavier weights pulleys and at least two pieces of cardio appointment but my budget is limited and I don’t know where to start. I’m looking at the ultra glide I was wondering if anyone has used it in the facility. Leasing is another factor that I’m considering and was wondering if any trainers or studio owners have any companies that they recommend.

6 Answers

I have the Power Tower (an upscale version of the Total Gym) which is functionally the same as the Ultra Glide. This is hands-down my favorite ‘machine’ and is very popular with my clients.

You can buy a lot of equipment used, and if you can provide transportation and some muscled guys, some people will be ever so happy to get rid of a treadmill or even one of those multi-station cable machines and will even let you have it for free. A place like ‘Play It Again Sports’ is also a good place to look.

I would not lease. You have rather little traffic, and the machines do not get used as in large gyms. You end up spending a lot of money and still have no machine in the end. It will be better to make do with what you have and save money until you can buy.

My gym is getting ready to open in about a week. Rogue has the best quality & they stand behind their products. Which is lacking in a lot of suppliers, I know because I have had to handle a couple returns. The other company that I really like is Perform Better, but don’t order from the catalog, find a rep, you’ll get better prices. Their customer service is, by far, better than all the rest! As far as cardio equipment, I decided on an Assault Bike, Concept 2 rower, and I love them. In a few months, I plan on purchasing Woodway treadmill. I tried all of the other treadmills at the recent Club Industry tradeshow, and this one stood out from all the rest. Much luck to you, and your new place! If you ever feel like chatting, feel free to send me a direct message.

Like Dawn, I purchase from Perform Better. I’ve never bought large equipment from them (everything I train with has to be portable), but I buy my portable equipment from them frequently. I like that they can help you design your space.

I’ve gotten to know the folks at Iron Company and they’re a reputable supplier. They carry just about everything to outfit a gym.

I’ve also bought from OPTP and had good service.

What do you want to be able to do with a cable machine? If you want just a basic pulley system, try a CrossCore. Since you’ve already got TRX, you’ve got the way to hang a CrossCore. It’s not technically a cable machine, but it functions like one. You and I might have different needs – portability is critical to me and might not be as critical to you, although the ability to take it down and use the floor space for something else might attract you. Anyway, I hang a crosscore, attach a kettlebell or other weight, and I’ve got a cable machine that I can pull down on. We do this a frequently in my small group classes. If I want to pull up, I have to hang two CrossCores, one low and one high, and click the ropes together so that I have two pulleys. I don’t do it very often, but it can be done.

You could actually keep it very simple and low in cost if you can get away with some kettlebells, a couple of battling ropes, some jump ropes, one or two sledges (if you need to have them), a couple of pull-up bars mounted on the walls, some plates and a few free weights (these are optional). Since you already have enough TRX at your gym these equipment should be more than plenty (in my opinion) to create some challenging and dynamic workouts. As for cardio equipment a couple of Concept 2 rowing machines should do the trick. All of the above should not cost you more than $3000. Your space is not that big and the last thing you want is to make it look smaller by adding some big cardio or other weight equipment. It will take some creativity but it will bring in some good revenue with just these few pieces of equipment. All of the above you can search and find them on Craigslist, stores that sell second hand equipment, from gyms that are closing or updating their equipment or apartment complexes that are looking to get rid of some of their current cardio and strength equipment.

I have created large classes with even less equipment from what I have suggested above. Again, this is only my opinion. I hope this helps.